FG vows to tackle rising cost of cooking gas
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated that the Federal Government will take all necessary steps to address the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas.According to The Punch, the Minister disclosed this at the Decade of Gas Initiative event on Monday, which marked the distribution of gas cylinders to approximately 300 women in Lagos State.
According to reports, the price of cooking gas has risen to N1,300 in some areas after falling to around N1,000 per kilogramme in June and July.
Furthermore, refilling a 12kg cylinder now costs between N16,000 and N17,000, up from N12,000 just a few weeks ago.
Commenting on this development, Ekpo stated that he would invite regulators and gas producers to find ways to reduce costs.
"I learnt this morning that the price of cooking gas is rising again. So, I'm going to invite regulators and producers to a meeting. We are looking to reduce the price so that it is affordable," Ekpo said.
He explained, "The energy security that we are discussing is about affordability and availability. So, whatever the reason for the price increase, we will make sure to bring it down.
Ekpo emphasised that the distribution of gas cylinders is an important part of the government's initiative to provide clean cooking solutions to 1 million households by 2030.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu approved the initiative because he is concerned about his people's health.
The gas minister urged the women to switch from firewood, kerosene and charcoal to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), citing its advantages as a clean, safe and environmentally friendly alternative.
He also advised them against selling the cylinders, assuring them that petrol would be available at a lower cost.
"Don't worry about what's going on today; we're working with the sectors involved to ensure we bring the price down. We implore you to be patient, to work with the government, and the government will work for you to create a better tomorrow," he said.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the cylinders and stop cooking with firewood.
Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, stated that using firewood involves cutting down trees and exposes users to harmful fumes, which can cause health problems such as miscarriage.
The SGF also promised that the price of cooking gas would fall because the Federal Government is currently putting an end to gas flaring, claiming that this would give the country more gas.
Mr Ed Ebong, Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, stated that 250,000 cylinders will be distributed each year until 2030.
He stated that the Lagos event on Monday marked the start of the LPG penetration program in the South West, with the team set to travel to Akwa-Ibom on Tuesday.
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